Overview
This lesson explains how laws are made in the United States and describes the roles of the three branches of government.
The Three Branches of Government
- The United States government has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
- Each branch has a special responsibility in the law-making process.
Legislative Branch
- The legislative branch makes the laws.
- The United States Congress runs the legislative branch.
- Congress members introduce bills, which are ideas for new laws.
Executive Branch
- The executive branch enforces laws to make sure people follow them.
- The President of the United States leads the executive branch.
- The President can approve (sign) or veto (reject) bills.
- A bill becomes a law when the President signs it.
Judicial Branch
- The judicial branch is made up of courts and judges.
- The United States Supreme Court is the highest court in the judicial branch.
- Judicial branch members review laws to make sure they are fair.
Q&A Review
- The legislative branch (Congress) is responsible for making laws.
- The executive branch is led by the President and enforces laws.
- The judicial branch (court judges) reviews laws for fairness.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Legislative Branch — The part of government (Congress) that makes laws.
- Executive Branch — The part of government led by the President that enforces laws.
- Judicial Branch — The part of government made up of courts and judges that reviews laws.
- Bill — An idea for a new law.
- Veto — When the President rejects a proposed law.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the roles and responsibilities of each government branch.
- Quiz yourself on which branch does what in the law-making process.